Winner of the ‘Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights-Rob Zombie Film Competition’ Announced as the Entertainment Capital of L.A.SM Prepares to Unleash 17-Night Halloween Horror Nights Event Opening September 24

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., Sept. 21 -- Universal Studios HollywoodSM announces the winner of the “Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights® -Rob Zombie Film Competition,” which offered filmmakers an opportunity to have their scariest short film judged by a panel led by the multi-media horror auteur Rob Zombie.

“Jasper,” submitted by Elizabeth Schieffer of Dallas , Texas , was selected as this year’s winner by Internet voters who picked their favorite among a field of ten finalist films.

Prospective filmmakers were invited to submit short films up to three minutes in length. The panel of horror industry professionals, which included Zombie, Marc Graser (Senior Writer, Variety), John Murdy (Creative Director, Universal Studios Hollywood / "Halloween Horror Nights") and Matt Cowan (Getty Images editor and former juror for the Sundance Film Festival ) narrowed the field to ten.

“I have been huge fan of Rob Zombie’s work for a long time. Just to be able to get a project that I personally worked on to be seen by his eyes is a great honor,” said Schieffer. “I feel Zombie has brought something new to the horror genre with House of 1000 Corpses and the Halloween series. I hope that one day, I will be able to do the same. “

Jasper will be rewarded with a premiere showing on Chiller TV, a posting on SyFy.com, a $1,000 cash prize and Schieffer earns a trip for two to the opening night of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The 2010 “Halloween Horror Nights” event at Universal Studios Hollywood will offer spine-chilling new mazes based upon the horror genre’s most compelling characters. Rob Zombie and other top artists collaborated with Universal Studios Hollywood in the creation of new mazes, “scare zones” and backlot experiences.  

Guests at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights® event at Universal Studios HollywoodSM will have the exclusive opportunity to board trams bound directly for the blockbuster new ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” created by Peter Jackson. For the first time, round-trip “Skull Island Express” tram rides are being offered only during “Halloween Horror Nights” as an added feature to the nighttime event and will be separate from the park’s famous “Terror Tram” backlot attraction.

            The theme park’s favorite thrill-ride attractions will also remain open for “Halloween Horror Nights” as well, many with menacing twists.  Favorites include “The Simpsons RideTM,” “Revenge of the MummySM – The Ride” and “Jurassic Park® In the Dark.”

            Halloween Horror Nights will begin on Friday, September 24 continue on consecutive weekends and selected weekday nights through Sunday, October 31.  Event dates are: September 24, 25 and October 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16,17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31. The event will begin nightly at 7 p.m.; closing hours vary by night throughout the event and are posted on the event’s website. Tickets are now on sale www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/hollywood including a new “Killer Deal Nights” option, providing discounts of up to $25 for selected dates.

Updates on “Halloween Horror Nights” are available at HalloweenHorrorNights.com and also on Twitter and Facebook, as Creative Director John Murdy reveals a running chronicle of exclusive information.  Fans are invited to follow John Murdy on Twitter at: Twitter.com/HorrorNights or via Facebook at: “Halloween Horror Nights - Hollywood (Official).”